In a recent interview, the Sunderland legend, Kevin Phillips, claimed that Lee Johnson will look to make at least two signings for the Black Cats this summer.

Speaking recently to Football Insider, Phillips, who scored 130 goals over 235 matches for Sunderland, stated his belief that his former side need to strengthen both at left-back and in attack this summer.

He said: "I think there will be a lot of change in the summer and left-back will be a position that I am sure they will look at. It is certainly an area that they need more options in. I think another striker might be signed, it depends who stays this summer.

"I am sure Lee Johnson will look to sign a left-back though because he addressed that position in the January window with [Jake] Vokins but it doesn't look like that move will be made permanent."

Transfer Tavern Take

Indeed, with Vokins having made just four appearances for Sunderland since his arrival from Southampton on a four-month loan deal back in January, over which the left-back has averaged a rather disappointing WhoScored match rating of 6.58, it would not appear as if Johnson has been overly convinced by the 21-year-old thus far in his spell at the Stadium of Light.

Furthermore, with the League One side appearing to be heavily reliant on Charlie Wyke's goals - with the striker bagging 23 times in the league this season, while Grant Leadbitter is second in the club's scoring charts with six - Phillips' suggestion that Sunderland could also do with a new centre-forward would also seem to be founded on solid ground.

However, the calibre of player the club could go on to attract this summer will very much depend on what league they are playing in next season, with the Black Cats currently sitting five points behind the automatic promotion places with just six games to go.

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